Analysis & Reports

U.S. Army troopers from the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division conducted gunnery qualification with M1A2 SEPv3 tanks at Mielno Tank Range in Poland on September 22, 2022. The M1A2 SEPv3 features advanced armor and firepower but has reached its weight limit, leading to the cancellation of the proposed SEPv4 upgrades. The Army is now developing the M1E3 Abrams with a modular design to address these issues.

Germany's Navy conducted a successful live-fire trial of the Israeli LORA missile system between Ireland and Iceland, demonstrating its capability to hit targets accurately. This test is part of Germany's Operational Experimentation programme, indicating a shift towards enhancing its long-range strike capabilities at sea. The trial involved two frigates, including Sachsen-Anhalt, and reflects Germany's urgency in addressing military needs amid evolving security challenges in Europe.

Alexandra ReevesFri Sep 04 2026Loading...

Leonardo plans to demonstrate the Michelangelo Dome's capabilities against drone attacks in Ukraine by the end of 2026. This system aims to enhance air defense through integration of various military technologies. The establishment of a local structure in Ukraine allows Leonardo to expand its operations and adapt to the unique challenges posed by the ongoing conflict. This initiative highlights the need for effective integration of air defense systems in Europe, particularly in response to the evolving nature of warfare.

Dr. Klaus WeberFri Sep 04 2026Loading...

The U.S. Air Force is seeking to procure four Echodyne EchoShield counter-drone radars for the 57th Rescue Squadron at Aviano Air Base, Italy, as of September 4, 2023. The purchase is contingent on funding availability, and the Air Force reserves the right to cancel the solicitation. The EchoShield radars are designed to detect various drone types and track multiple targets simultaneously.

Supacat has commenced production of 18 HMT Extenda military vehicles for the Czech Republic’s special operations forces, with deliveries set to start in 2027. These vehicles will replace the outdated Land Rover Defender 110s used by the Czech Army’s 601st Special Forces Group. The contract, signed in October 2025, includes a total package valued at around 2.16 billion koruna ($98.4 million).

A Russian-made Geoscan 701 drone was discovered on September 1 on the shore of Pellinki in Finland. Finnish authorities are investigating the incident as a potential violation of territory, confirming the drone poses no immediate threat. The drone is a civilian model used for aerial surveying and mapping, and its presence is part of a broader concern regarding hybrid attacks from Russia.

Shield AI is developing the X-BAT autonomous fighter jet, utilizing a refurbished AVEN nozzle from GE Aerospace, originally designed 30 years ago. Testing is ongoing, with a tethered vertical flight test scheduled by the end of the year to demonstrate the aircraft's capabilities. The collaboration focuses on enhancing performance through advanced propulsion technology.

Niewiadów Polska Grupa Militarna is establishing a 40 mm ammunition hub in Niewiadów, Poland, aimed at enhancing NATO security in Europe. The initiative leverages the group's manufacturing infrastructure and research and development capabilities.

Russian drones conducted near-daily incursions into Romanian airspace throughout August 2023, prompting interceptions by NATO aircraft. A Romanian F-16 destroyed a drone laden with explosives near the Neptun Deep gas platform. Moldova also faced border closures due to spillover from Russian strikes in Ukraine, highlighting vulnerabilities in air defense across Eastern Europe.

Britten-Norman flew its first fully UK-built BN2B-26 Islander aircraft from Bembridge Airport on the Isle of Wight on Thursday, marking a significant return to complete airframe manufacturing in the UK. The aircraft is intended for the Falkland Islands Government Air Service and has entered flight testing. Britten-Norman plans to produce eight aircraft annually, with components for future aircraft already ordered.

Russian forces have significantly enhanced their drone strike capabilities in Ukraine by utilizing Chinese-made MIMO mesh radios, allowing control of drones up to 175 kilometers away. On July 17, a Geran drone from the 50th Separate Operational Brigade struck a target in Poltava while maintaining operator control. This technology shift indicates a strategic pivot towards northern Ukraine, with implications for NATO logistics and operations.

Croatia's government is set to approve the purchase of 18 South Korean K239 Chunmoo multiple rocket launchers for €435.2 million during a cabinet session on Friday. This acquisition marks Croatia's largest weapons purchase since its 1990s war for independence. The Chunmoo system will enhance Croatia's military capabilities with a strike range of 30 to over 300 kilometers, and is expected to be delivered by 2028. The deal is partly a response to Serbia's military developments.

NATO troops conducted a training exercise in Riga, Latvia, from August 3 to 14, 2023, testing the British-made BlackTalon Ecosystem counter-drone system. The exercise involved approximately 650 to 1,000 participants from 24 NATO countries and Ukraine, focusing on the integration of various counter-drone technologies. Increased Russian drone activity prompted heightened NATO fighter jet interceptions in the region.

The Royal Navy's HMS Prince of Wales has spent approximately one third of its operational life in port for repairs, while HMS Queen Elizabeth has encountered significant mechanical failures. Both aircraft carriers have faced maintenance backlogs, limiting the Royal Navy's ability to project power. The total expenditure for the two carriers has reached £7.6 billion, nearly double the initial budget.

President Trump stated that the U.S. possesses virtually unlimited amounts of ammunition and will soon resume munitions sales to allies. He criticized reports of depleted stockpiles amid ongoing military operations in Iran. Trump also highlighted the substantial military aid provided to Ukraine and NATO, asserting that Europe would repay the U.S. for this support. The statements were made in a Truth Social post on September 3, 2025.

The British Army ordered 386 Challenger 2 main battle tanks, which have been deployed in various conflicts including Kosovo, Iraq, and Ukraine. Notably, only one Challenger 2 was destroyed in combat, and that incident was due to friendly fire on March 25, 2003. The tanks have demonstrated significant effectiveness against enemy forces, particularly during engagements with Iraqi T-55s.

HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales, the largest aircraft carriers of the Royal Navy, operate exclusively with the F-35B due to their lack of catapults and arresting wires. This design choice limits their operational flexibility compared to US Navy carriers. The F-35B's capabilities are constrained by its STOVL system, which affects range and strike capacity. Britain's strategic military requirements align with this design, focusing on European and NATO obligations rather than high-end performance.

The Browning Hi-Power handgun, adopted by over 50 countries, has a significant military history, being used by both Allied and Axis forces during World War II. Its design, completed in 1935, has influenced modern firearms, and despite the end of original production in 2018, demand remains high with new versions being introduced. The Hi-Power is recognized for its reliability and performance in military contexts.

In 2025, NATO countries and defense firms experienced a significant increase in military spending, with global defense revenues reaching $700 billion. The U.S. defense budget was approximately $900 billion, supplemented by $156 billion from the Reconciliation Act. European nations have ramped up military expenditures in response to security threats, particularly from Russia. However, production bottlenecks are emerging as a key challenge for the defense industry.

Kramatorsk Heavy Machine-Tool Building Plant (KZVV) warned of a potential production halt due to a lack of state orders, having not received one in nine months. The plant confirmed a German order for 200 Bohdana howitzers worth €750 million, with deliveries scheduled for 2027. KZVV also localized production of the British 105mm L-119 howitzer and produces various artillery barrels and ammunition, but lacks domestic gun propellant production.